At the end of the last week Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took a courageous step by calling for an end to the emergency ordinance and Internal Security Act.

The move came on Friday, September 16 on Malaysia Day, which is the national day of the country. The address was telecast live on television and he seems to have struck the right tone for his speech.

The prime minister noted that Malaysia is evolving into a higher level and “the people wanted more freedom.” He stressed that the legal changes were to accommodate a mature, modern and functioning democracy and to preserve public order, enhance civil liberty and maintain racial harmony.

The step by the prime minister came after a harsh crackdown on the Bersih 2.0 rally that was held on 9 July 2011. Najib gained a lot of bad press internationally over the way the rally was handled.

Najib’s Malaysia Day speech may have been in response to that criticism and in anticipation of the next general election in Malaysia, which must come before 2013. Early 2012 is speculated to be when the next election should occur.

The Internal Security Act (ISA) dates back to 1960 and the Emergency Act was adopted in 1966. Another restrictive law and the Banishment Act was put in place in 1959.

The ISA will be replaced by two new laws will be enacted to safeguard peace and order the detention period will be reduced and can only be extended by the courts, except in cases involving terrorism.

A number of Asean countries in all stages of national development attract criticism over their human rights issues. It is refreshing about developments in Malaysia and hopefully, will serve as a role model for others Asean countries to move forward in the human rights sector.

Top News from Southeast Asia

September 18 , 2011

WEEKLY SUMMARY

These were the most newsworthy stories published by Asean Affairs during the week of September 10-16.

Malaysia to set minimum wageMalaysia is currently gearing up for its own version of minimum
wage. The National Wages Consultative Council Bill has already been
passed since the middle of this year after a four-hour heated debate at
parliament to make way for the implementation of minimum wage in the
country. READ MORE:http://www.aseanaffairs.com/malaysia_news/labor/malaysia_to_set_minimum_wage

Pheu Thai wants Thaksin backIn case there has ever been a question about it, Deputy Prime
Minister Chalerm Yumbamrung said on Friday that the Pheu Thai party
would continue to pursue an amnesty for fugitive former Thai prime
minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. After all, his youngest sister, Yingluck
Shinawatra, is the current prime minister. READ MORE:
http://www.aseanaffairs.com/thailand_news/politics/pheu_thai_wants_thaksin_back